Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Remote

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive remuneration

Medical aid

Provident fund contributions

Career advancement opportunities

Remote-first work arrangement

Generous annual leave

Access to advanced geotechnical tools

Collaborative virtual culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join our fully remote construction team across South Africa. You will lead geotechnical investigations, design foundations, and assess ground conditions to ensure earthworks stability and safety.

The role requires a Master’s in Geotechnical/Civil with specialization, Pr.Eng with ECSA, and 10+ years of experience. You will mentor juniors, review designs, and collaborate with dispersed engineers and managers in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with Geotechnics specialization.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA or eligible for registration.
• 10+ years of specialized geotechnical experience on complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of soil/rock mechanics, foundations, and slope stability.
• Proficient with Plaxis, GeoStudio, Rocscience or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and design for diverse projects.
• Develop detailed reports, test plans, and foundation design recommendations.
• Analyze subsurface conditions and design suitable foundations and earth structures.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to project teams and clients.
• Oversee junior engineers and ensure high technical quality.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and drawings.
• Manage multiple projects remotely while meeting budget and schedule.
• Coordinate with authorities and ensure code compliance.
• Build strong client relationships and technical service.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Master's in Geotechnical Engineering

Civil Eng with Geotechnics specialization

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an accomplished Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join their innovative and fully remote construction team. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional to lead the geotechnical aspects of significant infrastructure and building projects across South Africa. You will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, designing foundations, and ensuring the stability and safety of earthworks. Working remotely, you will collaborate with a dispersed team of engineers, geologists, and project managers, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and communication platforms. We seek an individual with exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of soil mechanics and rock mechanics, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating geotechnical risks. This is a unique chance to make a substantial impact on major construction endeavors while enjoying the flexibility of a remote-first work environment. The position is headquartered in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , but will be performed entirely remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigation and design process for a wide range of construction projects.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, including site investigation plans, laboratory testing interpretation, and foundation design recommendations.
• Analyze subsurface conditions and design appropriate foundation systems (shallow and deep foundations), earth retaining structures, and slope stabilization measures.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and support to project teams, architects, and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the work of junior geotechnical engineers and technicians, ensuring high standards of technical quality and project delivery.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs, calculations, and drawings prepared by the team.
• Manage geotechnical aspects of multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards and building codes.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, providing exceptional technical service and project support.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnics, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA or eligible for registration.
• A minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong portfolio of complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability analysis.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, Rocscience suite, or similar.
• Experience with ground improvement techniques and remediation strategies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively in a remote setting.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing technical teams.
• Commitment to working in a remote-first setup with reliable internet connectivity.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• A flexible and fully remote working arrangement.
• Involvement in high-impact, challenging infrastructure and building projects.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to advanced geotechnical software and analytical tools.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual work culture.